Final answer:
The optimal position for a client having a chest tube placed in the left lung following a motor vehicle accident injury is supine with the left arm behind the head to allow clear access to the pleural space.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option : c
Placing the client in this position provides the healthcare provider with optimal access to the pleural space of the left lung, which is essential for accurate and safe chest tube insertion. A chest tube, also known as a thoracic catheter, is a flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the chest wall and into the pleural space. Its primary function is to remove air (pneumothorax), fluid (pleural effusion, blood, chyle), or pus (empyema) from the intrathoracic space to help the lungs expand properly. During the procedure, the nurse's role is to assist the provider, monitor the client’s vital signs, provide reassurance, and ensure that the necessary equipment is available and functioning properly.
It is important to note that the Trendelenburg, prone, and left side-lying positions are not ideal for this procedure. The Trendelenburg position could cause difficulty in breathing and increased blood flow to the area, making the procedure more hazardous. The prone position is not preferable due to the inaccessibility of the chest area. The left side-lying position could close off access to the pleural space that needs to be addressed, especially if the problem is on the left side.
In contrast, compression techniques such as CPR are performed with the patient lying supine and with the hands placed between T4 and T9 on the sternum to allow effective pumping of the blood to vital organs including the brain. However, this knowledge is less directly relevant for the placement of a chest tube.